Helmets must for pillion riders in Uttarakhand

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The Uttarakhand transport department on Friday made it mandatory for all pillion riders to wear helmets.

Starting today, first time offenders would be slapped with a fine of Rs 100 and those found not wearing helmets for the second time would be fined Rs 300, followed by suspension of driving licence as per the Motor Vehciles Act.

Aimed at ensuring complete safety of all those travelling on two-wheelers, the move comes close on the heels of the Supreme Court directing the Uttarakhand government to make sure it issues a notice making the use of helmets for all pillion riders a must.

“From now on, it is mandatory for all those riding pillion to wear helmets. All those people found without helmets would be penalized accordingly. Most of the casualties in road accidents are because of people not wearing helmets. Now that we’ve made it mandatory, chances of serious head injuries will be negligible,” said transport commissioner CS Napalchayal.

Rules governing transportation in Uttarakhand were revised to include a section making helmets mandatory for all those riding pillion.

“The clause was already there in section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. We never had such section until now,” added the minister.

Noticeably, around 42 people have lost their lives since 2014 in road mishaps.

“It is a common trend for people to not wear helmets. This happens all over the country. We’ll do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety of riders,” added Napalchayal.